We’ve seen plenty attempts at bringing console-quality gaming to smartphones and tablets (and some would argue that traditional gaming systems have already been eclipsed by such hardware), but there’s not been a lot of activity from the really big names. Sure, Sony had stuff like the Xperia Play, but it’s pretty clear that its PlayStation group and Xperia group are operating at arm’s length. Microsoft’s made some efforts with Windows Phone, but we’ve yet to see anything along the lines of a straight-up Xbox phone or tablet, really embracing that brand. Sega’s long transitioned to becoming a software player, but what about Nintendo? The Wii U Game Pad’s not too far off from being a regular tablet in its own right (above), and now word’s arrived that Nintendo may be looking to create a full-on Android tablet of its own.

A tweet yesterday from Nintendo software engineer Nando Monterazo informs us that the company’s testing a tablet based on a very modified version of Android.

Before you start getting too excited, Monterazo clarified that just because Nintendo is working on this, doesn’t mean it will be a traditional gaming console – instead, it sounds like the aim here is to create a platform for educational titles. Still games, granted, but less Mario Brothers and more Math Blaster.

That could be fine as described, but we can’t help but hold out a little hope that maybe this line of work could springboard development on a more substantial piece of Nintendo Android gaming hardware.